Hi Nairalanders. Can someone explain to me what public administration is all about and the jobs opportunities involved. Thanks

25 Exciting Career Paths in Public Administration
If looking for a degree in public administration , there can be more to it than just
program rankings and salary questions . What to do after graduation can be as
daunting a task as getting an education. Because there is no one path to a career
in public administration as there is with doctors or lawyers, what to do with your
degree can be confusing.
To help clarify, we have gathered 25 exciting career paths in public
administration. They can help you make the most of your education and your work
days with choices on everything from an after school job to what can happen
when public administration goes right.
Exciting Well Known Career Paths in Public Administration n be 1. Fed Career
When one thinks of public administration, they often think of a government
distributor or manager. And the most likely employer can be the federal
government, which has their official site here. Their database allows for job
searches by federal agency, state, and even field.
2. Civil Service
Also known as government jobs, civil service tends to be more people oriented.
This can mean working with citizens and residents on behalf of the federal
government or local agency. Check out this guide from About.com with more on
the job.
3. Education Administrators
One of the largest parts of service is education. So it is no surprise that the need
for qualified education administrators is on the rise. They provide instructional
leadership and day to day management of educational institutions.
4. Administrative Services Managers
A generic sort of sounding career, they plan, coordinate, and direct a broad range
of services in everything from education to healthcare. State and local
governments, as well as finance and insurance, are also potential employers.
5. Public Administration Consultant
Being an expert in administration, many public administration professionals can go
into consulting. They make policy and procedural recommendations for meeting
budgets, deadlines, etc. Visit here for the profile page of a firm who specializes in
that.
6. Executive Director
This public administration career is the sort of CEO of a non-profit group. They
head up the advocacy, fund raising, and other civic duties associated with the
role. Usually chosen by the board of the non-profit, they are charged with running
the entire organization.
7. Director of Development
Want to stick to just the fundraising aspects of a non-profit? Then check out a
career on the development side, with the director being the one in charge of
funds raised. Tony Poderis of Raise Funds discusses what a good director of
development is worth.
8. Program Analyst
A good stepping stone for public administrators, this job focuses on improving a
single program within an institution. They can be responsible for planning,
analyzing, and evaluating the effectiveness of a program. This section of the NIH
has more on what they are specifically looking for.
9. Program Director
Once you have mastered the above, a promotion to this public administration
career may be in the works. The program director can be responsible for one,
several, or all of a non-profit’s programs. This article from eHow Money has more
on the role.
10. City Manager
City managers are public administrators who try to make city governments
operate with the efficiency of successful businesses. They are chosen by elected
officials and can work for small towns on a part time basis or for large cities. This
entry from State University has more on what they do, education required, and
salary.
11. Mayor
Public administration professionals who have found success in one or more of the
above positions can often put their names on the ballot and run for mayor or even
a position on the city council. A record of leadership and results can often be
required. The Philanthropic Family even included what they would like to see in
their next mayor.
12. Public Service Employees Network
If you still need to know more about the above, click here. The PSEN has loads of
resources for those interested in public administration. They have job finding
resources, ways to get hired, and much more. You can even learn more about
civil service tests.
Exciting Little Known Career Paths in Public Administration
13. Internship
Just about every field has options for interns, including public administration. This
site keeps a massive database of available internship positions across the
country. A few of the current available options include with non-profits,
government organizations, and even law.
14. Internship Opportunities
If you didn’t find what you were looking for above, click here. This database has
many options available and branches out more for public administration. Current
possible employers include publishers, marketing, and even an inventor’s
company.
15. Foreign Service Officer
These representatives promote U.S. interests abroad and can live dangerous and
exciting careers. Part of the U.S. Department of State, many interested in public
administration choose this career path. There are five positions within foreign
service, and you can learn more here.
16. Iraq Transition Assistance Office
The ITAO provides a programming and oversight role to executive departments
and agencies in concluding the remaining large infrastructure projects in Iraq.
Public administration professionals are often needed by the agency. You can
read more on their official site here.
17. PA in Afghanistan
Just like the above, public administration is needed in Afghanistan. Working with
the Civilian Technical Assistance Program, they help to build effective structures,
processes, and skilled personnel. Check out this “help wanted” ad with more
information on the job.
18. Housing Specialist
Want to get people into houses but don’t want to work for a bank? Then learn
more about this public administration career. They are responsible for assisting
families and youth with finding affordable housing.
19. Case Manager
Similar to the above, a case manager helps the disadvantaged with their particular
situation. This can include financial and medical issues. The job requirements for
this position preferred those who are bilingual.
20. Research Associate
Those just starting out on a public administration career may take work as
research associates. They are charged with conducting research, interviews,
materials, and reports. This job with the NAPA requires a bachelor’s degree but
prefers an MPA.
21. Budget Analyst
If you enjoy numbers as much as you enjoy public administration, check out this
career. This website is run by an actual budget analyst with the 30 years’
experience in the field. You can learn more about it, prepare for it, and even get
relevant reading materials.
22. Field Examiner
Conduct field examinations to determine and appoint fiduciaries for the legally
disabled in this career. Graduate education and experience are often required.
This particular job listing is for those who want to work with veterans.
23. Urban Planner
Also known as a regional planner, they help a community decide how to best
utilize its resources. They often work with or for a local government and make
recommendations on schools, roads, and other infrastructure projects. There is
even a certification that can be gained when striving for this career.
24. Association Leader
Think of your favorite non-profit or charity. They often need association leaders,
aka public administration professionals, to help lead them to success. Visit the
Center for Association Leadership to learn more about the careers, openings, and
even get a Mentor Connector.
25. U.S. Secretary
What happens when you reach the top of the public administration ladder? You
get appointed to a high profile position by the President of the United States. This
is a list of those who got their degrees in public administration and went on to
become secretaries of health, labor, and housing and urban development.

17+ Most Lucrative Public Administration Careers There are thousands of different career paths you can choose from once you have completed your MPA degree program. Both local, state and federal governments and private businesses and companies hire those with an MPA degree making the possibilities endless. The following 17 career paths are examples of just how lucrative a career in public administration can be. SEE ALSO: Public Administration Salary Outlook #1 News Reporter/Analyst Television news agencies and newspapers are looking for individuals educated on public policies and programs so they can provide insight on various political situations. A MPA degree can give you the knowledge needed to provide those analyses. Jobs in the news reporting industry that can require the individual to hold a Masters of Public Administration degree can include: News Writer News Reporter Data Analyst The career path you wish to pursue in the news reporting sector will depend upon whether or not you feel comfortable in front of the camera or prefer to write and analyze data. #2 Local Government Offices Several career paths in the local government sector are available for those who have completed an MPA degree. Career paths include: City Director Urban Planning and Development Director Local Transportation Board Community Health Director Parks and Recreation Director Board of Directors for Education Police Commissioner There are many programs that need to be implemented and managed on the local level. Everything from transportation, education and community health needs to have an executive that can oversee the program, organize the workers, and understand the impact such programs will have on the community and the community’s finances. #3 State and Federal Offices Just as the local government needs individuals to implement, manage and supervise programs so does the state and federal governments. Career paths on the state and federal government level can include: Working in the CIA Cabinet Member to the President Director of Transportation Representative for the United Nations Career paths on the state and federal side are very similar to those in the local government. The only difference is jobs on the federal and state level require supervision of programs that are larger than those of the local programs, and more people will be under your direct supervision. #4 The Private Sector Companies and businesses require the assistance of those who have finished an MPA degree program because the skills they possess are very valuable. Possible career paths in the private sector include: CEO or COO of a Company Director of a Company President or Executive Vice President of a Company Both for-profit and non-profit companies and businesses like to hire individuals who have completed their MPA degree program. The skills these individuals possess that companies want include the ability to develop programs, oversee workers and understand the impact such programs will have on the business. The career path choices of those who wish to pursue a Masters of Public Administration degree are endless. Local, state and federal governments, as well as profit and non-profit companies are all seeking individuals with this valuable degree. #5 Local Government Administrator Many departments of the federal, state and local government in your area need to have accomplished and skills administrators to help them to run with the most efficiency possible. You could be involved in supervising staff, organizing budget meetings, supervising the budget, communicate with different levels of government, and create a strong bond between the community and the government agency #6 Policy Manager Most government agencies and nonprofit organizations have policy managers who have to have strong presentation and planning skills. Some of the most important duties in this job are to assess policies for their timeliness, reevaluate policies as needed, supervise employees, and display strong problem solving skills. You could work with a think tank that will explore if private companies and government agencies can work together on an environmental project, or you could help to obtain funding for social and educational programs. #7 Public Housing Manager This public administration professional oversees the entire operations of public housing within a particular housing facility. As a manager of such a facility, you need to deal with renting units, utilities, and ensure that all government regulations are followed. Also, you will need to oversee a staff of administrative and maintenance people, and also give all needed paperwork to fully document compliance with government regulations. #8 Charity Manager or Director An effective charity needs to raise money effectively and to administer how that money is used in various programs in the organization. Some of your most important duties will include the management of all key fundraising efforts, recruiting and training effective volunteers to accomplish key goals, and to educate the public about the importance of your charity. #9 Budget Director Many government agencies and nonprofit organizations need to have an effective and skilled budget director. Funds both from taxpayers and from members are limited, and those dollars have to be spent and allocated carefully. You may need to use various types of statistical analysis to determine where money can be saved, or where you need to make necessary cuts for the organization to prosper. #10 Economic Development Director This type of public administration professional oversees all of the programs that promote growth and development in the economic base of cities around the US. It is possible to find such positions at all levels of government – city, county, state and federal. Some of the duties include coming up with good economic development programs and plans; proposing such plans to officials; organizing economic plans to assure they are properly implemented; and then serve as an effective liaison for business interests and officials in government. #11 Public Affairs Director You will work in the oversight of programs that help NGOs, government agencies and nonprofits to improve and strengthen their image with the public. You may write press releases, conducting outreach programs and doing fund raising. Some of your other duties could include keeping effective relationships with public and private sector clients; doing speechwriting and interviews, conducting evaluations of marketing programs; and doing event management in a way that will increase and improve contact between public organizations and the public. #12 Public Relations Consultant You will provide effective strategic advice and counsel about the community and media relations. You also may be an intermediary between the public and the organization that you work for. Some of the tasks you may do include: writing press releases, managing news conferences and related events, and working collaboratively with marketing professionals to come up with popular PR campaigns. #13 Human Resources Director There are many public administration-related openings available in the HR field. You may work for a government agency or a nonprofit, or possibly a private company. You will recruit, interview and choose job candidates, administer the organization’s benefits and compensation, and resolve any issues between employees and management. #14 Foreign Service Officer Officers in the Foreign Service promote peace and prosperity by advancing the interests of the United States all through the world. Foreign Service Officers work at 250 international consulates and embassies around the world. The State Department administers the Foreign Service and offers exciting career options in business management, engineering, foreign affairs, human resources, office support and senior executive service. #15 Public Administration Consultant As a consultant, you can analyze the operations of a public or private sector entity and make recommendations on how they can achieve their goals and increase efficiencies. You also may work on how to increase funding for that organization, or assist in developing policy to help the organization meet their goals. #16 Association Executive Even though an association is a nonprofit and does not really make money, this organization still needs to be run in the most cost-effective manner possible. The operating budget comes from donations and association dues, so that money must be spent very carefully. As an executive for this type of organization, you will set goals, advance the agenda for members, and monitor the association’s budget. #17 City Manager You will be responsible for supervising all day to day activities of the city for which you work. You also can fulfill these types of job duties as the manager of a county.. You will need to carefully manage all operations and budgets for each underlying department in your city or county. Tax dollars are becoming more scarce in economic hard times, so every city and county needs an effective manager to minimize expenditures.

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Factors against effective public administration in Nigeria

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